• The Journal of Pediatrics of Korean Medicine
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• v.22 no.1
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• pp.103-111
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• 2008

Objectives Seunggal-tang is one of the prescriptions of oriental herbal medicine, which has been applied to several allergic diseases such as atopic dermatitis. This study was planned to compare differences of anti-allergic effects based on different form of Seunggal-tang by manufacturing differently. Methods Two types herb medicine products were used; aqueous extract (SG-T, Seunggal-Tang) and powder (SG-S, Seunggal-San) which were made from the same mixed formula of Seunggal-tang. To investigate in vitro anti-allergic activities, rat basophilic leukemia (RBL-2H3) cells were treated with SG-T and SG-S for 1 hour, and then stimulated with the phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) plus calcium ionophore A23187. We examined the release of beta-hexosaminidase, as a marker of degranulation, and the releases of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha and interleukin (IL)-4, as proinflammatory cytokines. Results SG-T and SG-S didn't have effects on cell viabilities in concentrations under 2㎎/㎖. In additionto that, SG-T more inhibited releasing ${\beta}$-hexosaminidase, TNF-${\alpha}$ and IL-4 than SG-S. Conclusions These results indicate that SG-T is more effective against mast cell-mediated allergic reactions than SG-S.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.24 no.2
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• pp.374-379
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• 2003

Herbal remedies are enjoying a growing popularity in the world. But, we still pay few attention to the potential hepatotoxicity of herbal remedies, and there are only a few reports about that. We recently experienced a case of drug induced hepatitis caused by ingestion of Dyctamnus dasycarpus, one of herbs used for dermatologic disorders. The patient, a 38 year old woman, was admitted due to jaundice after ingestion of some herbal mixture containing Dyctamnus dasycarpus to treat her atopic dermatitis for 4 months. Other possible causes of liver injury were excluded by laboratory test and imaging studies, and we could find a report on similar cases caused by ingestion of Dyctamnus dasycarpus. During conservative treatment, elevated liver enzyme and total bilirubin level slowly returned to normal value. This case stresses the need to warn the potential hepatotoxicity of Dyctamnus dasycarpus, especially for a long time ingestion. So we suggest the necessity of toxicology screen at regular intervals during long time ingestion of herbal medicine, and further evaluation of the safety and toxicity of Dyctamnus dasycarpus.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.26 no.1
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• pp.59-66
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• 2012

Oxidative stress has been implicated in cutaneous damage in various inflammatory skin diseases, including atopic dermatitis. The present study was undertaken to investigate the antioxidative and anti-inflammatory activities of the extract of Duchesnea chrysantha (DCE). DEC was prepared by extracting with 80% ethanol. Total flavonoids and polyphenols were measured by a colorimetric assay. The free radical scavenging activity of the extract was analyzed by the DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl), ABTS (2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) and Griess reagent assay. An oxidative product of nitric oxide (NO), was measured in the culture medium by the Griess reaction. The level of prostaglandin $E_2$ ($PGE_2$) was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The expressions of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) were measured by Western blot analysis. Total flavonoid and polyphenol contents of DCE were included $24.73{\pm}0.45$ and $178.77{\pm}2.65$, respectively. DCE significantly increased electron donating ability (DPPH), nitrite scavenging (NO) and ABTS reducing activity in dose dependant. We investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of DCE on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. DCE significantly suppressed NO and prdstaglandin $E_2$ ($PGE_2$) in dose dependant. Furthermore, the levels of iNOS and COX-2 protein expressions were markedly suppressed by the treatment with DCE in a dose dependent manner. These results suggest that DEC may has value as natural product with its high quality functional components, antioxidative and anti-inflammatory activities.

• Toxicological Research
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• v.28 no.4
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• pp.255-262
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• 2012

Inflammation is the immune system's response to infection and injury-related disorders, and is related to pro-inflammatory factors (NO, $PGE_2$, cytokines, etc.) produced by inflammatory cells. Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a representative inflammatory skin disease that is characterized by increasing serum levels of inflammatory chemokines, including macrophage-derived chemokine (MDC). Carpinus tschonoskii is a member of the genus Carpinus. We investigated the anti-inflammatory activity of C. tschonoskii by studying the effects of various solvent fractions prepared from its leaves on inflammatory mediators in HaCaT and RAW264.7 cells. We found that the chloroform fraction of C. tschonoskii inhibited MDC at both the protein and mRNA levels in HaCaT cells, acting via the inhibition of STAT1 in the IFN-${\gamma}$ signaling pathway. In addition, the chloroform fraction significantly suppressed the expression of inflammatory factors induced by lipopolysaccharide stimulation, except COX-2 and TNF-${\alpha}$. These results suggest that the chloroform fraction of C. tschonoskii leaves may include a component with potential anti-inflammatory activity.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.22 no.6
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• pp.547-552
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• 2014

Ribes fasciculatum var. chinense MAX. (R. fasciculatum) has traditionally been used in Korea to treat inflammatory diseases. However, the exact mechanism that accounts for the anti-inflammatory effect of R. fasciculatum is not completely understood. We aimed to ascertain the pharmacological effects of R. fasciculatum on both compound 48/80- or histamine-induced scratching behaviors and 2, 4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB)-induced atopic dermatitis (AD) in mice. Additionally, to find a possible explanation for the anti-inflammatory effects of R. fasciculatum, we evaluated the effects of R. fasciculatum on the production of inflammatory mediators in LPS-stimulated macrophage cells. Treatment of R. fasciculatum significantly reduced compound 48/80- or histamine-induced the pruritus in mice. R. fasciculatum attenuated the AD symptoms such as eczematous, erythema and dryness and serum IgE levels in AD model. Additionally, R. fasciculatum inhibited the production of tumor necrosis factor-${\alpha}$ (TNF-${\alpha}$) and interleukin-6 (IL-6). The maximal rates of TNF-${\alpha}$ and IL-6 inhibition by R. fasciculatum (1 mg/ml) were approximately 32.12% and 46.24%, respectively. We also showed that R. fasciculatum inhibited the activation of nuclear factor-kappa B in LPS-stimulated macrophages. Collectively, the findings of this study provide us with novel insights into the pharmacological actions of R. fasciculatum as a potential molecule for use in the treatment of allergic inflammatory diseases.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.51 no.1
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• pp.1-13
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• 2018

Purpose: This review article provides an overview of the trends of research papers on the health benefits of kimchi and kimchi lactic acid bacteria published from 1995 to 2017. Methods: All publications from 1995 to 2017 regarding kimchi and kimchi lactic acid bacteria were collected, reviewed, and classified. This review article covers the publications of the health benefits of kimchi and kimchi lactic acid bacteria on experimental, clinical trials, and epidemiology studies. Results: The number of publications on kimchi over the period were 590: 385 publications in Korean and 205 publications in English. The number of publications on the health benefits of kimchi and kimchi lactic acid bacteria were 95 in Korean and 54 in English. The number of publications on kimchi and kimchi lactic acid bacteria were 84 and 38, respectively, in the experimental models. Ten research papers on kimchi in clinical trials and 7 publications in epidemiology were found. Kimchi or kimchi lactic acid bacteria had protective effects against oxidative stress, mutagenicity, toxicity, cancer, dyslipidemia, hypertension, immunity, and inflammation in in vitro, cellular, and in vivo animal models. Moreover, kimchi had effects on the serum lipids, intestinal microbiota, iron status, obesity, and metabolic parameters in human clinical trials. In epidemiology, kimchi had effects on hypertension, asthma, atopic dermatitis, rhinitis, cholesterol levels, and free radicals. Conclusion: This review focused on the publications regarding the health benefits of kimchi and kimchi lactic acid bacteria, suggesting the future directions of studies about kimchi and kimchi lactic acid bacteria by producing a database for an evaluation of the health benefits of kimchi.

• Annals of dermatology
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• v.30 no.6
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• pp.662-667
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• 2018

Background: Recently, the number of domestic pets has increased. As a consequence, sensitization to animal allergens, such as cat or dog allergens, has become a problem. Objective: We studied the annual trends of sensitization to cats or dogs, and the characteristics of the patients. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the medical records of 7,469 patients who visited a dermatology clinic and underwent an allergic profile test, from January 2011 to December 2015. Specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels to cat or dog antibody greater than 3.50 IU/ml were regarded as positive results. Results: In all, 274 patients showed significant increase in levels of specific IgE antibody to dog, and 307 revealed increase in levels of of specific IgE antibody to cat. The prevalence of these specific IgEs increased from 2011 to 2015. Independent risks for sensitization to cat allergens were sensitization to dog, but not to house dust, Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, and D. farinae. Independent risks for sensitization to dog allergens were sensitization to cat, but not to house dust, D. pteronyssinus, and D. farinae. Total IgE level was not related to specific IgE level against either cats or dogs. Conclusion: In conclusion, the prevalence of sensitization to cat or dog has increased. Sensitization to cat or dog is related to each other, but is irrelevant to the total IgE level.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology and Dermatology
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• v.27 no.4
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• pp.1-15
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• 2014

Objective : This study was carried out to analyze the quality and quantity of Clinical Trials that have been published in the journal of korean medical ophthalmology, otolaryngology, dermatology(JKOOD). Methods : We analyzed 25 clinical trials that published in JKOOD from 1988 to 2014. We excluded case reports, protocol and retrospective studies and classified searched papers into three categories; Randomized Clinical Trials(RCT), Non Randomized Clinical Trials(NRCT), Before After Study(BAS) by using study Design Algorithm for Medical literature of Intervention(DMAI). All articles were analyzed according to diagnosis, statistics program and intervention period. The bias of RCTs were evaluated by Cochrane Risk of Bias(RoB). Result : 1. The number of searched journals is 25 papers; 13 RCT, 2 NRCT, 10 BAS 2. Distribution of clinical trial; 'Atopic dermatitis' ranked the highest(44%) in disease, 'External application' raked the highest(71%) in treatment method. 3. 'allocation sequence' and 'prevention of allocated intervent to patients and therapists' are graded 'Low' but 'incomplete outcome date' and 'selective outcome' are graded 'Uncertain'. Conclusions : It is necessary to study more RCT. It will be helpful to study systematic reviews and meta analysis in JKOOD.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology and Dermatology
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• v.27 no.4
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• pp.58-66
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• 2014

Objectives : The purpose of this study was to investigate the clinical manifestations and influences of occupation, concomitant allergic diseases, various aggravating factors and seasonal changes for patients with dyshidrotic eczema. Methods : A total of 219 patients who showed clinical manifestations of dyshidrotic eczema were included in this study. We retrospectively reviewed the clinical characteristics of all the patients. Results : 1. Among 219 patients, there were 76 male patients (34.7%), 143 female patients (65.3%), male to female ratio was 1: 1.88. The average age of the patients at admission was $31.9{\pm}9.8$ years, had a lot of 20s and 30s the distribution. 2. The average of duration of the admission to the clinic after the onset was $4.01{\pm}4.42$ years. 3. Common accompaning diseases dyshidrotic eczema patients have were allergic rhinitis(87 cases), and atopic dermatitis(55 cases), sweating(45 cases), and asthma(10 cases) in order. 4. The most commonly occurring sites for dyshidrotic eczema patients are fingers(60.3%), palm(53.4%), dorsum of hand(19.2%) and nails(5.5%) in order. 5. The most commonly contacted materials for dyshidrotic eczema patients are water(130 cases), cosmetics(40 cases) and rubber gloves(34 cases) in order. The aggravating factors of dyshidrotic eczema patients are emotional stress(110 cases), fatty food(22 cases) and alcohol(22 cases) in order. 6. The number of patients showing seasonal changes in symptoms was 111. The season with the most severe symptom was summer with 76 cases, which was statistically significant. Conclusions : This study demonstrated the various clinical characteristics of Korean patients with dyshidrotic eczema.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology and Dermatology
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• v.31 no.1
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• pp.12-21
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• 2018

Objectives : Inflammation is one of the self-protective abilities against tissue injury, and it has clinical symptoms like redness, heat, swelling, pain, and loss of function. The purpose of this study is to examine inhibitory effects of Naetakchunkeum-san (NTCKS) on nitric oxide (NO), Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), inducible NOS (iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2), which play a major role in inflammatory response. Methods : The experiment was performed using Raw 264.7 cells pretreated with NTCKS extracts. Cell viability was determined by MTT assay. To evaluate anti-inflammatory effects of NTCKS, we examined NO and $PGE_2$ production in LPS-induced macrophages. We also investigated effects of NTCKS on iNOS, Cox-2, and ERK1/2 expression using western blot. Results : In MTT assay, no cytotoxicity of NTCKS (50, 100, 150, $200{\mu}g/ml$) on RAW 264.7 cell was found. LPS-induced NO production was decreased after treatment with NTCKS (150, $200{\mu}g/ml$)(p<0.05). $PGE_2$ was decreased after treatment with NTCKS (150, $200{\mu}g/ml$)(p<0.05). NTCKS inhibited LPS-induced expressions of iNOS and COX-2 in a dose-dependent manner. Increased phosphorylation of ERK1/2 by LPS was decreased by NTCKS in a dose-dependent manner. Conclusions : According to above experiments, NTCKS may be applied to inflammatory diseases such as atopic dermatitis, rheumatoid arthritis, and inflammatory bowel disease.